NL2024182B1

NL2024182B1 - Horticultural or agricultural greenhouse

Info

Publication number: NL2024182B1
Application number: NL2024182A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Eduard Maria Lansu Peter
Original assignee: Dalsem Beheer B V
Priority date: 2019-11-07
Filing date: 2019-11-07
Publication date: 2021-07-20

Abstract

The invention relates to a horticultural greenhouse, comprising: multiple rows of support columns; a roof that is supported by the columns and that comprises a roof passage; a fabric screen for darkening and/or thermally shielding the greenhouse, wherein the fabric screen extends in a horizontal separation plane that divides the greenhouse in a cxdtivation space and a roof space; and a first ventilation arrangement, wherein the first ventilation arrangement comprises a first ventilation device for displacing' air, and. a first air duct with a first air inlet, a first air outlet, and a first air channel between the first air inlet and the first air outlet, wherein the first air channel debouches into the air outside of the greenhouse, wherein the first air channel passes through the separation. plane, and. wherein the first 'ventilation_ device is arranged. for drawing' air into the first air channel.

Description

P136988NL00 Horticultural or agricultural greenhouse

BACKGROUND The invention relates to a horticultural or agricultural greenhouse for cultivating crops therein. Known greenhouses are provided close to the roof with at least one horizontally suspended fabric screen which defines a cultivation space for cultivating crops therein under the fabric screen and a roof space separated from the cultivation space. The fabric screen comprises at least one passage between the roof space and the cultivation space. The greenhouse further comprises a ventilation system with air displacing means for displacing air in the cultivation space of the greenhouse. At least one of the air displacing means is situated close to the passage in the fabric screen and is configured to draw in and subsequently displace air from both the roof space and the cultivation space. The ventilation system is arranged within the passage of the fabric screen and is connected to the fabric screen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A disadvantage of the known horticultural greenhouse is that in order to cool and/or dehumidify the cultivation space, ventilation windows in the roof of the greenhouse need to be opened to allow cool and/or dry fresh air to enter the greenhouse via the roof space. Therefore,

during cooling and/or dehumidifying of the cultivation space the conditions of the air in the roof space may be negatively influenced. For instance, because the fresh air entering the greenhouse through the ventilation windows reduces the C02 level in the roof space.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or to ameliorate the disadvantage of the known greenhouse.

According to a first aspect, the invention provides a horticultural greenhouse for cultivating crops therein, comprising: multiple rows of support columns forming a roof support construction; a roof that is supported by the roof support construction, and that separates the greenhouse from the environment, wherein the roof of the greenhouse comprises a roof passage; a fabric screen for at least partially darkening and/or thermally shielding the greenhouse, wherein the fabric screen extends in a horizontal separation plane within the greenhouse that divides the greenhouse in a cultivation space below the separation plane and a roof space above the separation plane; and a ventilation system comprising a first ventilation arrangement, wherein the first ventilation arrangement comprises a first ventilation device for displacing air within the greenhouse, and a first air duct with a first air inlet, a first air outlet, and a first air channel extending between the first air inlet and the first air outlet, wherein the first air channel debouches into the air outside of the greenhouse via the roof passage, wherein the first air channel passes through the separation plane, and wherein the first ventilation device is arranged for drawing air into the first air channel.

When the screens in the greenhouse according to the invention are closed, the roof space comprises a stock of air having specific and well measurable conditions. As the first air duct of the ventilation system passes through the separation plane and the roof space it is possible to draw fresh alr into the cultivation space without altering the specific conditions of the stock of air in the roof space. The cultivation space can thus be ventilated without influencing the conditions of the air in the roof space. Furthermore, as the first ventilation device is in direct air communication with the outside air of the greenhouse, the effectiveness of ventilating the greenhouse can be achieved independently of the position of the fabric screens, i.e. opened or closed.

In an embodiment the first air duct is connected to the roof passage in order to further optimize the air flow between the cultivation space and the outside air of the greenhouse.

In an embodiment the first air duct defines the roof passage. The first air duct is part of the roof construction in order to strengthen the roof construction near the roof passage.

In an embodiment the first ventilation arrangement comprises a closing panel that is configured to move between a first position in which the closing panel closes the first air channel, and a second position in which the closing panel allows air to pass through the first air channel. The closing panel can be opened when the outside air conditions are favorable to ventilate the greenhouse and can be closed when the outside air conditions are unfavorable to ventilate the greenhouse. In this way the efficiency of the ventilation system is further increased.

In an embodiment the first ventilation device comprises a first fan connected to the first air duct at the first air outlet thereof for drawing air into the first air channel. By placing the first fan inside the cultivation space it can be serviced in a straightforward manner.

In an embodiment thereof the first ventilation device comprises a first air blender that is provided between the first air outlet of the first air duct and the first fan, wherein the first air blender comprises a first blender inlet that is in air communication with the first air outlet, a second blender inlet that is in air communication with the cultivation space, and a blender outlet that is in air communication with the first fan, wherein the first air blender is configured for providing an air blend from air from outside the greenhouse and air from the cultivation space to the first fan. By providing the first air blender, the air drawn from outside the greenhouse can be actively blended with air from inside the cultivation space. The desired conditions in the cultivation space can then be obtained more quickly.

In an embodiment the first air blender comprises blending flaps that are movable between a first position in which the first blender inlet is closed off, and a second position in which the second blender inlet is closed off. When the condition of the air within the cultivation space is as desired, it may be sufficient to just circulate the air within the cultivation space without adding air from outside the greenhouse. Otherwise, it may be necessary to draw air from outside the greenhouse into the cultivation space in order to adapt the condition of the air within the cultivation space. By providing the blending flaps the amount of air to be drawn from outside the greenhouse or the cultivation space can be regulated.

In an embodiment the first ventilation arrangement is provided with a first heat exchanger that is arranged for exchanging thermal energy with the air displaced by the first ventilation device. With the heat exchanger it is possible to adjust the temperature within the cultivation space while being less dependent of the temperature of the air from outside the greenhouse.

In an embodiment the first ventilation arrangement 1s arranged to blow air into the cultivation space in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the greenhouse. In an embodiment thereof ventilation system comprises a row of multiple first ventilation arrangements, wherein the row of multiple ventilation arrangements is arranged parallel to the transverse direction of the greenhouse. In a further embodiment thereof the ventilation system comprises multiple rows of first ventilation arrangements, wherein the rows of first 5 ventilation arrangements are arranged at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the greenhouse. In this arrangement it is possible to ventilate the complete area of the cultivation space in an efficient manner.

In an embodiment the ventilation system comprises a second ventilation arrangement, wherein the second ventilation arrangement comprises a second ventilation device for displacing air within the greenhouse, and a second air duct with a second air inlet, a second air outlet, and a second air channel extending between the second air inlet and the second air outlet, wherein the second air channel debouches into the roof space of the greenhouse, and wherein the second ventilation device is arranged for drawing air into the second air channel.

By adding the second ventilation arrangement to the greenhouse it is possible to draw air directly from the stock of air in the roof space into the cultivation space. Therefore the cultivation space of the greenhouse can be supplied with air from outside the greenhouse, air from the stock of air in the roof space, or air from both. This further increases the conditioning flexibility of the greenhouse.

In an embodiment the second ventilation device comprises a second fan that is connected to the second air duct at the second air outlet thereof for drawing air into the second air channel. By placing the second fan inside the cultivation space it can be serviced in a straightforward manner.

In an embodiment the second ventilation device comprises a second air blender that is provided between the second air outlet of the second air duct and the second fan, wherein the second air blender comprises a first blender inlet that is in air communication with the second air outlet, a second blender inlet that is in air communication with the cultivation space, and a blender outlet that is in air communication with the second fan, wherein the second air blender is configured for providing an air blend from air from the roof space and air from the cultivation space to the second fan. By providing the second air blender, the air drawn from the roof space is actively blended with air from inside the cultivation space. The desired conditions in the cultivation space can be obtained more quickly.

In an embodiment the second air blender comprises blending flaps that are movable between a first position in which the first blender inlet is closed off, and a second position in which the second blender inlet is closed off. When the condition of the air within the cultivation space is as desired, it may be sufficient to just circulate the air within the cultivation space without adding air from the roof space. Otherwise, it may be necessary to draw air from the roof space into the cultivation space in order to adapt the condition of the air within the cultivation space. By providing the blending flaps the amount of air to be drawn from the roof space or the cultivation space can be regulated.

In an embodiment the second ventilation arrangement is provided with a second heat exchanger that is arranged for exchanging thermal energy with the air displaced by the second ventilation device. With the heat exchanger it is possible to adjust the temperature within the cultivation space while being less dependent of the temperature of the air from the roof space.

In an embodiment the second ventilation arrangement 1s arranged to blow air into the cultivation space in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the greenhouse. In an embodiment thereof the ventilation system comprises a row of at least one first ventilation arrangement and at least one second ventilation arrangement, wherein said row is arranged parallel to the transverse direction of the greenhouse. In a further embodiment thereof the ventilation system comprises multiple rows of at least one first ventilation arrangement and at least one second ventilation arrangement, wherein said rows are arranged at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the greenhouse. In this arrangement it is possible to ventilate the complete area of the cultivation space in an even more efficient manner. In an embodiment the ventilation system comprises a top beam extending parallel to the separation plane, and wherein the first air duct or the second air duct is supported by the top beam. The top beam is connected to the roof support construction and suspends the air duct above the cultivation area in order keep the cultivation area free of hindering objects.

In an embodiment the top beam comprises at least one top beam passage and the first air channel or the second air channel extends through the at least one top beam passage. The top beam is arranged in the separation plane. By including the passage in the top beam the air duct does not obstruct with the fabric screens.

In an embodiment the roof support construction comprises transverse {frames for supporting the roof, wherein the top beam extends between subsequent transverse frames in a direction transverse thereto, and wherein the fabric screen is guided along the longitudinal sides of the top beam between the subseguent transverse frames. In this configuration the screens can move unobstructed between the open and closed position along the top beam.

In an embodiment the roof support construction comprises transverse {frames for supporting the roof, wherein the top beam extends parallel along and is secured to one of the transverse frames, and wherein the top beam 1s arranged between the respective transverse frame and the fabric screen. In this configuration the screens can move unobstructed between the open and closed position. The transverse frame adds rigidity to the ventilation arrangement.

According toe a second aspect, the invention provides a ventilation system for use in a horticultural greenhouse according to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect, the invention provides a first ventilation arrangement for use in a horticultural greenhouse according to the first aspect of the invention, or in a ventilation system according to the second aspect of the invention.

According toe a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method for climate control in a cultivation space in a horticultural greenhouse according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: by the first ventilation device, displacing air within the cultivation space; by the first ventilation device, displacing air from outside the greenhouse into the cultivation space; or by the first ventilation device, displacing air within the cultivation space and from outside the greenhouse into the cultivation space.

In an embodiment when the ventilation system comprises the second ventilation arrangement, the method further comprising the steps of: by the second ventilation device, displacing air within the cultivation space; by the second ventilation device, displacing air between the roof space and the cultivation space; or by the second ventilation device, displacing air within the cultivation space and between the roof space and the cultivation space.

The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied, individually, wherever possible. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent: claims, can be made subject of divisional patent applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of a part of a horticultural greenhouse with multiple rows of support columns connected by transverse frames, and a ventilation system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figures ZA-B respectively show an enlarged view and a side view of a first ventilation arrangement of the ventilation system according to figure 1; Figure 3 shows an isometric view of a second ventilation arrangement of the ventilation system according to figure 1; and Figure 4A and 4B respectively show a part of the greenhouse of figure 1 having an alternative setup of the ventilation system, and an isometric view of a ventilation arrangement of the ventilation system of figure 4A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows an agricultural or horticultural greenhouse 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The partially shown greenhouse 1 is in this example a Venlo type greenhouse, and comprises a number of identical metal columns 2, for example metal lattice columns, that are positioned spaced apart and in rows oriented in the Longitudinal direction L of the greenhouse 1. The lattice columns 2 are connected by means of metal transverse frames 10 that extend in the transverse direction T of the greenhouse 1, for forming a supporting structure for a roof

40. The transverse frames 10 comprise a horizontal top bar 11, a horizontal bottom bar 12 extending below the top bar 11, and diagonal brace struts 13 there in between.

The roof 40 of the greenhouse 1 comprises multiple identical support gutters 41 that extend parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction L of the greenhouse 1. The support gutters 41 are in the transverse direction T of the greenhouse 1 alternately supported by the columns 2 or by the transverse frames 10. The roof 40 comprises multiple roof ridges 42 that extend parallel to the support gutters 41 in the longitudinal direction L of the greenhouse 1. The support gutters 41 and the higher situated roof ridges 42 alternate in the transverse direction T of the greenhouse 1. The roof 40 comprises multiple glass rods 43 that extend in the transverse direction T of the greenhouse 1 between the support gutters 41 and the roof ridges 42, and glass panels 44 that are along their circumference supported by the support gutters 41, the roof ridges 42 and the glass rods 43. The roof 40 separates the greenhouse 1 from the environment. The roof 40 has at least one roof passage 45. In this example the roof passage 45 has a rectangular shape and is located near one of the roof ridges 42.

The greenhouse 1 comprises multiple screens 20 that are provided between pairs of subsequent transverse frames 10, and parallel guiding wires 21 that extend in the longitudinal direction L of the greenhouse 1 between the top bars 12 thereof. Each of the screens 20 is slidably supported and guided along one or more of the guiding wires

21. For the sake of clarity, only one screen 20 and two guiding wires 21 are shown, while in practice a plurality of parallel screens 20 and guiding wires 21 is provided.

The screens 20 are moveable between the shown open state, and a non-shown closed state. In the closed state the screens 20 extend in a substantially horizontal separation plane S and bound, together with the roof 40, a roof space 6 that is located above the separation plane S, and bound, together with the non-shown side walls of the greenhouse 1, a cultivation space 7 that is located below the separation plane S. In the closed state the screens 20 darken and thermally shield the entire cultivation area of the greenhouse 1.

The horticultural greenhouse 1 comprises a ventilation system 5 with a first ventilation arrangement 30 for circulating air in the cultivation space 7 and for drawing fresh air from outside the greenhouse 1 into the cultivation space 7, and a second ventilation arrangement 130 for circulating air in the cultivation space 7 and for drawing air from the roof space 6 into the cultivation space 7.

As shown in figures 1, ZA and ZB the first ventilation arrangement 30 comprises a first top beam 31 extending between and substantially transverse to the two subsequent transverse frames 10 in the separation plane S. Subsequent screens 20 are guided substantially along both longitudinal sides of the first top beam 31.

As best shown in figures 2A and 2B the first top beam 31 has two oblique first top beam legs 32, 33 which merge into a first top beam center section 34. The first top beam 31 comprises an elongated first top beam passage 35 within the first top beam center section 34. The first ventilation arrangement 30 comprises a first bottom beam 70 which 1s provided below and substantially parallel to the first top beam 31 and that extends between and substantially transverse to the two subsequent transverse frames 10. The first bottom beam 70 has two oblique first bottom beam legs 71, 72 which merge into a first bottom beam center section 73. The first bottom beam 70 comprises an elongated first bottom beam passage 74 within the first bottom beam center section 73. The first bottom beam passage 74 is located directly below and is aligned with the first top beam passage 35. By means of the first bottom beam 70, it is possible to provide additional non-shown fabric screens within the greenhouse 1.

The first ventilation arrangement 30 comprises a first air duct 36 that is arranged at and supported by the first top beam 31 and the first bottom beam 70. The first air duct 36 comprises a first top duct section 37, a first intermediate duct section 38 and a first bottom duct section 39 which are arranged in series. The first top duct section 37 is mounted to the first top beam 31 around the first top beam passage 35 and extends therefrom towards the roof passage 45. The first top duct section 37 has a rectangular cross section, and converges in a first direction D from the roof 40 towards the first top beam 31. The first intermediate duct section 38 extends between the first top beam 31 and the first bottom beam 70 and is respectively mounted thereto around the first top beam passage 35 and the first bottom beam passage 74. The first intermediate duct section 38 has a rectangular cross section that is substantially constant in the first direction D. The first lower duct section 39 is mounted to the first bottom beam 70 around the first bottom beam passage 74 and extends therefrom downwards into the cultivation space 7. The first lower duct section 39 has a rectangular cross section and in the first direction D away from the {first bottom beam 70 diverges substantially parallel to the transverse direction T of the greenhouse 1, and converges substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the greenhouse 1. The first air duct 36, at the end of the first top duct section 37 near the roof 40, defines a rectangular first air inlet 90 that is near and/or adjacent to the roof passage 45, and, at the end of the first bottom duct section 39 in the cultivation space 7, the first air duct 36 defines a substantially sqvare shaped first air outlet

91. The first top duct section 37, the first intermediate duct section 38 and the first bottom duct section 39 of the first air duct 36 together define a first air channel 92 that extends between the first air inlet 90 and the first air outlet 91.

In this example the first air inlet 90 and the roof passage 45 are arranged near and/or adjacent with respect to each other. The first top duct section 37 of the first air duct 36 may also be part of the construction of the roof 40 and therewith define the roof passage 45 in the roof 40. The first top duct section 37 may also extend through the roof 40 and therewith define the roof passage 45 in the roof 40. The first air outlet 91 is located below the first bottom beam 70 in the cultivation space 7 of the greenhouse 1. The first air outlet 91 may also be located near or coincide with the first bottom beam passage 74 within the first bottom beam 70 or it may be located near or coincide with the first top beam passage 35 within the first top beam 31 adjacent to the cultivation space 7.

The first ventilation arrangement 30 comprises a closing panel 46 that is hingeably attached to the roof 40 near the roof passage 45, and closing panel actuators 47 that are attached between the roof 40 and the closing panel

46. The closing panel actuators 47 are configured to move the closing panel 46 between a first position in which the closing panel 46 closes off and/or seals the first air channel 92, and a second position in which the closing panel 46 extends away from the roof 40 to allow fresh air to pass into the first air channel 92.

The first ventilation arrangement 30 is provided with a first ventilation device 50 comprising a first air blender 60 that is connected to the first air outlet 91, and a first fan 67 that is connected to the first air blender 60. The first air blender 60 comprises a first blender housing 61 that defines a first blender inlet 63 at the topside thereof and that is connected to the first air outlet 91, a second blender inlet 64 that is in air communication with the cultivation space 7, and a blender outlet 65 opposite to the second blender inlet 64 and that is connected to the first fan 67. The first blender housing 61 defines a first blending space 62 between the first blender inlet 63, the second blender inlet 64 and the blender outlet 65. The first air blender 60 comprises first blending flaps 66 that are provided parallel to each other within the first blending space 62. The first blending flaps 66 are rotatable about a rotation axis R substantially parallel to the transverse direction T of the greenhouse 1. The first fan 67 in this example is an axial fan comprising fan blades that are rotatable by a motor.

When the first fan 67 is activated, air is drawn into the first air blender 60. When the first blending flaps 66 are in a horizontal first position the first blender inlet 63 is closed off and air is drawn into the first blending space 62 from the cultivation space 7, and when the first blending flaps 66 are in a substantially vertical second position the second blender inlet 64 is closed off and air is drawn into the first blending space 62 from outside the greenhouse 1. By adjusting the orientation of the first blending flaps 66, the ratio of air from outside the greenhouse 1 and air from the cultivation space 7 can be regulated.

The first air blender 60 then provides an air blend from air from outside the greenhouse 1 and air from the cultivation space 7 to the first fan 67. The horticultural greenhouse 1 further comprises a first heat exchanger 80 that is arranged downstream of the first fan 65. Air from the first air blender 60 flows along the first heat exchanger 80 in order to cool or heat the passing air.

In this example the first fan 65 and the first heat exchanger 80 are arranged downstream with respect to the first air blender 60. It is to be understood that the first fan 65 and/or the first heat exchanger 80 may also be arranged upstream with respect to the first air blender 60. As shown in figures 1 and 3, the second ventilation arrangement 130 of the horticultural greenhouse 1 comprises a second top beam 131 extending between and substantially transverse to the two subsequent transverse frames 10 in the separation plane S$. Subsequent screens 20 are guided substantially along both longitudinal sides of the second top beam 131. As best shown in figure 3 the second top beam 131 has two oblique second top beam legs 132, 133 which merge into a second top beam center section 134. The second top beam 131 comprises an elongated second top beam passage 135 within the second top beam center section 134. The second ventilation arrangement 130 comprises a second bottom beam 170 which is provided below and substantially parallel to the second top beam 131 and that extends between and substantially transverse to the two subsequent transverse frames 10. The second bottom beam 170 has two oblique second bottom beam legs 171, 172 which merge into a second bottom beam center section 173. The second bottom beam 170 comprises an elongated second bottom beam passage 174 within the second bottom beam center section 173. The second bottom beam passage 174 is located directly below and is aligned with the second top beam passage 135. By means of the second bottom beam 170, it is possible to provide additional non-shown fabric screens within the greenhouse 1.

The second ventilation arrangement 130 comprises a second air duct 136 that is arranged at and supported by the second top beam 131 and the second bottom beam 170. The second air duct 136 comprises a second top duct section 137 and a second bottom duct section 139 which are arranged in series. The second top duct section 137 extends between the second top beam 131 and the second bottom beam 170 and is respectively mounted thereto around the second top bean passage 135 and the second bottom beam passage 174. The second top duct section 137 has a rectangular cross section that is substantially constant in the first direction D. The second lower duct section 139 is mounted to the second bottom beam 170 around the second bottom beam passage 174 and extends therefrom downwards into the cultivation space

7. The second lower duct section 139 has a rectangular cross section and in the first direction D away from the second bottom beam 170 diverges substantially parallel to the transverse direction T of the greenhouse 1, and converges substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the greenhouse 1.

The second air duct 136, at the end of the second top duct section 137 at the second top beam 131, defines a rectangular second air inlet 190 adjacent to the roof space 6, and, at the end of the second bottom duct section 139 in the cultivation space 7, the second air duct 136 defines a substantially square shaped second air outlet 191. The second top duct section 137 and the second bottom duct section 139 of the second air duct 136 together define a second air channel 192 that extends between the second air inlet 190 and the second air outlet 191.

In this example the second air outlet 191 is located below the second bottom beam 170 in the cultivation space 7 of the greenhouse 1. The second air outlet 191 may also be located near or coincide with the second bottom beam passage 174 within the second bottom beam 170 or it may be located near or coincide with the second top beam passage 135 within the second top beam 131 adjacent to the cultivation space 7.

The second ventilation arrangement 130 is provided with a second ventilation device 150 comprising a second air blender 160 that is connected to the second air outlet 191, and a second fan 167 that is connected to the second air blender 160. The second ventilation device 150 comprises substantially the same features as the first ventilation device 50 as shown in figures 2A and 2B. Corresponding features are not reintroduced and are referred to with the same reference numbers increased by

100.

The function of the second ventilation device 150 differs from the function of the first ventilation device 50 in that, when the second blending flaps 166 are in a substantially vertical second position the second blender inlet 164 is closed off and air is drawn into the second blending space 62 from the roof space 6. By adjusting the orientation of the second blending flaps 166, the ratio of air from the roof space 6 and air from the cultivation space 7 can be regulated. The second air blender 160 then provides an air blend from air from the roof space 6 and alr from the cultivation space 7 to the second fan 167. The horticultural greenhouse 1 further comprises a second heat exchanger 180 that is arranged downstream of the second fan 165 and that comprises substantially the same features as the first heat exchanger 80 as shown in figures ZA and 2B.

As shown in figure 1 the ventilation system 5 of the horticultural greenhouse 1 comprises the first ventilation arrangement 30 and the second ventilation arrangement 130 that are arranged in a row substantially parallel to the transverse direction T of the greenhouse 1, and that are arranged to blow air into the cultivation space 7 in the same direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the greenhouse 1. It is to be understood that the ventilation arrangements 30, 130 of the ventilation system 5 may be arranged in alternative ways.

For instance the ventilation system 5 may comprises only the first ventilation arrangements 30 or only the second ventilation arrangements 130. The ventilation arrangements 30, 130 may be arranged to blow air into the cultivation space 7 of the greenhouse 1 in opposite directions.

Multiple rows of ventilation arrangements 30, 130 may be provided within the horticultural greenhouse 1. In that case, the rows of ventilation arrangements 30, 130 are arranged at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction L of the greenhouse 1. Figure 4A partially shows the horticultural greenhouse of figure 1 comprising a ventilation system 205 having an alternative setup for the second ventilation arrangement 130. Corresponding features are not reintroduced and are referred to with the same reference numbers increased by 100 or 200. The ventilation system 205 of the horticultural greenhouse 200 differs from the ventilation system 5 of figure 1 in that it comprises a ventilation arrangement 230 for arranging multiple ventilation devices 250 in the greenhouse 200, in particular at one of the transverse frames 210 thereof. The ventilation arrangement 230 comprises a U-shaped top beam 231 extending over substantially the whole length of the respective transverse frame 210. The U-shaped top beam 231 is provided between the respective transverse frame 210 and the screen 220 is suspended Lo the respective transverse frame 210. The screen 220 is attached to the U-shaped top beam 231 thereof.

As best shown in figure 4B the U-shaped top beam 231 has two parallel top beam legs 232, 233 which merge into a top beam center section 234. The U-shaped top beam 231 comprises elongated top beam passages 235 within the top beam center section 234, The ventilation arrangement 230 comprises, in this example, two air ducts 236 that are arranged at and supported by the U-shaped top beam 231. Each air duct 236 is mounted to the top beam 230 around one of the top beam passages 235 and extends therefrom downwards into the cultivation space 207. Each air duct 236 has a rectangular cross section and in a first direction D away from the U- shaped top beam 231 converges substantially parallel to the transverse direction T of the greenhouse 200, and diverges substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the greenhouse 200.

Each air duct 236, at its end at the U-shaped top bar, defines a rectangular air inlet 290 that correspond to the top beam passage 235, and, at the opposite end, each air duct 236 defines a substantially square shaped air outlet 291. Each air duct 236 defines an air channel 292 that extends between the air inlet 290 and the air outlet

291.

The above described ventilation arrangement 230 is similar to the second ventilation arrangement 130 of figures 1 and 3 in that the air inlets 290 are adjacent to the roof space 206. The ventilation arrangement 230 can also be embodied similar to the first ventilation arrangement 30 of figures 1, 2A and 2B, wherein at least one of the air inlets 290 is near and/or adjacent to a roof passage that is provided in the roof of the greenhouse 200. The horticultural greenhouse 200 may be provided with a heat exchanger similar to the first heat exchanger 80 and the second heat exchanger 180 of figure 1.

It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CONCLUSIESCONCLUSIONS

1. Tuinbouwkas voor het daarin telen van gewassen, omvattend: meerdere rijen van steunkolommen die een daksteuncon- structie vormen; een dak dat wordt ondersteund door de daksteuncon- structie, en dat de kas scheidt van de omgeving, waarbij het dak van de kas een dakdoorgang omvat; een schermdoek voor het ten minste gedeeltelijk ver- donkeren en/of thermisch afschermen van de kas, waarbij het schermdoek zich uitstrekt in een horizontaal schei- dingsvlak binnen de kas dat de kas verdeelt in een teelt- ruimte onder het scheidingsvlak en een dakruimte boven het scheidingsvlak; en een ventilatiesysteem met een eerste ventilatiesamen- stel, waarbij het eerste ventilatiesamenstel is voorzien van een eerste ventilatie-inrichting voor het verplaatsen van lucht binnen de teeltruimte, en een eerste luchtbuis met een eerste luchtinlaat, een eerste luchtuitlaat, en een eerste luchtkanaal dat zich uitstrekt tussen de eerste inlaat en de eerste uitlaat, waarbij het eerste luchtkanaal via de dakdoorgang uitmondt in de lucht buiten de kas, waarbij het eerste luchtkanaal door het scheidingsvlak gaat, en waarbij de eerste ventilatie-inrichting is ingericht voor het trekken van lucht in het eerste luchtkanaal.A horticultural greenhouse for growing crops therein, comprising: a plurality of rows of support columns forming a roof support structure; a roof supported by the roof support structure, and separating the greenhouse from the environment, the roof of the greenhouse including a roof passageway; a screen cloth for at least partially darkening and/or thermally screening the greenhouse, wherein the screen cloth extends in a horizontal partition plane within the greenhouse which divides the greenhouse into a cultivation space below the partition and a roof space above the interface; and a ventilation system having a first ventilation assembly, the first ventilation assembly comprising a first ventilation device for moving air within the cultivation space, and a first air duct having a first air inlet, a first air outlet, and a first air duct located extends between the first inlet and the first outlet, the first air duct opening via the roof passage into the air outside the greenhouse, the first air duct passing through the interface, and the first ventilation device being adapted to draw air into the first air duct.

2. Tuinbouwkas volgens conclusie 1, waarbij de eer- ste luchtbuis is verbonden met de dakdoorgang.A horticultural greenhouse according to claim 1, wherein the first air tube is connected to the roof passage.

3. Tuinbouwkas volgens conclusie 1 of 2, waarbij de eerste luchtbuis de dakdoorgang definieert.A horticultural greenhouse according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first air tube defines the roof passage.

4. Tuinbouwkas volgens één der voorgaande conclu- sies, waarbij het eerste ventilatiesamenstel is voorzien van een sluitpaneel dat is geconfigureerd teneinde te be- wegen tussen een eerste positie waarin het sluitpaneel het eerste luchtkanaal afsluit, en een tweede positie waarin het sluitpaneel het toelaat dat lucht door het eerste luchtkanaal gaat.A greenhouse according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first ventilation assembly includes a closure panel configured to move between a first position in which the closure panel closes the first air duct, and a second position in which the closure panel allows air passes through the first air duct.

5. Tuinbouwkas volgens één der voorgaande conclu- sies, waarbij de eerste ventilatie-inrichting is voorzien van een eerste ventilator die is verboden met de eerste luchtbuis bij de eerste luchtuitlaat daarvan voor het trekken van lucht naar in het eerste luchtkanaal.A horticultural greenhouse according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first ventilation device comprises a first fan prohibited with the first air duct at the first air outlet thereof for drawing air into the first air duct.

6. Tuinbouwkas volgens conclusie 5, waarbij de eer- ste ventilatie-inrichting ís voorzien van een eerste luchtmenger die is aangebracht tussen de eerste luchtuit- laat van de eerste luchtbuis en de eerste ventilator, waarbij de eerste luchtmenger is voorzien van een eerste menginlaat die in luchtverbinding is met de eerste lucht- uitlaat, een tweede menginlaat die in luchtverbinding is met de teeltruimte, en een menguitlaat die in luchtverbin- ding is met de eerste ventilator, waarbij de eerste lucht- menger is geconfigureerd teneinde een luchtmengsel van lucht van buiten de kas en lucht van de teeltruimte te verschaffen naar de eerste ventilator.Horticultural greenhouse according to claim 5, wherein the first ventilation device is provided with a first air mixer which is arranged between the first air outlet of the first air tube and the first fan, the first air mixer being provided with a first mixing inlet which is in air communication with the first air outlet, a second mixing inlet in air communication with the cultivation space, and a mixing outlet in air communication with the first fan, the first air mixer being configured to form an air mixture of air from outside the greenhouse and air from the growing room to the first fan.

7. Tuinbouwkas volgens conclusie 6, waarbij de eer- ste luchtmenger mengkleppen omvat die beweegbaar zijn tus- sen een eerste positie waarin de eerste menginlaat is af- gesloten, en een tweede positie waarin de tweede mengin- laat is afgesloten.A greenhouse according to claim 6, wherein the first air mixer comprises mixing valves which are movable between a first position in which the first mixing inlet is closed, and a second position in which the second mixing inlet is closed.

8. Tuinbouwkas volgens één der voorgaande conclu- sies, waarbij het eerste ventilatiesamenstel is voorzien van een eerste warmtewisselaar die is ingericht voor het uitwisselen van thermische energie met de lucht die is verplaatst door de eerste ventilatie-inrichting.A horticultural greenhouse according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first ventilation assembly is provided with a first heat exchanger adapted to exchange thermal energy with the air displaced by the first ventilation device.

9. Tuinbouwkas volgens één der voorgaande conclu- sies, waarbij het eerste ventilatiesamenstel is ingericht teneinde lucht in de teeltruimte te blazen in een richting parallel aan de lengterichting van de kas.A horticultural greenhouse according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first ventilation assembly is arranged to blow air into the cultivation space in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the greenhouse.

10. Tuinbouwkas volgens één der voorgaande conclu- sies, waarbij het ventilatiesysteem een rij van meerdere eerste ventilatiesamenstellen omvat, waarbij de rij van meerdere eerste ventilatiesamenstellen parallel aan de dwarsrichting van de kas 1s opgesteld.A horticultural greenhouse according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation system comprises a row of a plurality of first ventilation assemblies, the row of a plurality of first ventilation assemblies being arranged parallel to the transverse direction of the greenhouse 1s.

11. Tuinbouwkas volgens conclusie 10, waarbij het ventilatiesysteem meerdere rijen van eerste ventilatiesa- menstellen omvat, waarbij de rijen van eerste wventilatie- samenstellen op een afstand van elkaar in de lengterich- ting van de kas zijn opgesteld.A horticultural greenhouse according to claim 10, wherein the ventilation system comprises a plurality of rows of first ventilation assemblies, wherein the rows of first ventilation assemblies are arranged at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the greenhouse.

12. Tuinbouwkas volgens één der voorgaande conclu- sies, waarbij het ventilatiesysteem een tweede ventilatie- samenstel omvat, waarbij het tweede ventilatiesamenstel is voorzien van een tweede ventilatie-inrichting voor het verplaatsen van lucht binnen de kas, en een tweede lucht- buis met een tweede luchtinlaat, een tweede luchtuitlaat, en een tweede luchtkanaal dat zich uitstrekt tussen de tweede luchtinlaat en de tweede luchtuitlaat, waarbij het tweede luchtkanaal uitmondt in de dak- ruimte van de kas, waarbij het tweede luchtkanaal door het scheidingsvlak gaat, en waarbij de tweede ventilatie- inrichting is ingericht voor het trekken van lucht in het tweede luchtkanaal.A horticultural greenhouse according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation system comprises a second ventilation assembly, the second ventilation assembly being provided with a second ventilation device for displacing air within the greenhouse, and a second air duct with a second air inlet, a second air outlet, and a second air duct extending between the second air inlet and the second air outlet, the second air duct opening into the roof space of the greenhouse, the second air duct passing through the interface, and the second ventilation device is adapted to draw air into the second air duct.

13. Tuinbouwkas volgens conclusie 12, waarbij de tweede ventilatie-inrichting is voorzien van een tweede ventilator die is verbonden met de tweede luchtbuis bij de tweede luchtuitlaat daarvan voor het trekken van lucht in het tweede luchtkanaal.A horticultural greenhouse according to claim 12, wherein the second ventilation device is provided with a second fan which is connected to the second air duct at the second air outlet thereof for drawing air into the second air duct.

14. Tuinbouwkas volgens conclusie 12 of 13, waarbij de tweede ventilatie-inrichting is voorzien van een tweede luchtmenger die is aangebracht tussen de tweede luchtuit- laat van de tweede luchtbuis en de tweede ventilator, waarbij de tweede luchtmenger is voorzien van een eerste menginlaat die in luchtverbinding is met de tweede lucht- uitlaat, een tweede menginlaat die in luchtverbinding is met de teeltruimte, en een menguitlaat die in luchtverbin- ding is met de tweede ventilator, waarbij de tweede lucht- menger is geconfigureerd teneinde een luchtmengsel van lucht van de dakruimte en lucht van de teeltruimte te ver- schaffen naar de tweede ventilator.A horticultural greenhouse according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the second ventilation device is provided with a second air mixer arranged between the second air outlet of the second air tube and the second fan, the second air mixer being provided with a first mixing inlet which in air communication with the second air outlet, a second mixing inlet in air communication with the cultivation space, and a mixing outlet in air communication with the second fan, the second air mixer being configured to produce an air mixture of air from the roof space and air from the growing room to the second fan.

15. Tuinbouwkas volgens één der conclusies 12-14, waarbij de tweede luchtmenger mengkleppen omvat die be- weegbaar zijn tussen een eerste positie waarin de eerste menginlaat is afgesloten, en een tweede positie waarin de tweede menginlaat is afgesloten.A horticultural greenhouse according to any one of claims 12-14, wherein the second air mixer comprises mixing valves which are movable between a first position in which the first mixing inlet is closed and a second position in which the second mixing inlet is closed.

16. Tuinbouwkas volgens één der conclusies 12-15, waarbij het tweede ventilatiesamenstel is voorzien van een tweede warmtewisselaar die is ingericht voor het uitwisse- len van thermische energie met de lucht die is verplaatst door de tweede ventilatie-inrichting.A horticultural greenhouse according to any one of claims 12-15, wherein the second ventilation assembly is provided with a second heat exchanger adapted to exchange thermal energy with the air displaced by the second ventilation device.

17. Tuinbouwkas volgens één der conclusies 12-16, waarbij het tweede ventilatiesamenstel is ingericht ten- einde lucht in de teeltruimte te blazen in een richting parallel aan de lengterichting van de kas.A horticultural greenhouse according to any one of claims 12-16, wherein the second ventilation assembly is adapted to blow air into the cultivation space in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the greenhouse.

18. Tuinbouwkas volgens één der conclusies 12-17, waarbij het ventilatiesysteem een rij van ten minste één eerste ventilatiesamenstel en ten minste één tweede venti- latiesamenstel omvat, waarbij de rij parallel aan de dwarsrichting van de kas is opgesteld.A horticultural greenhouse according to any one of claims 12-17, wherein the ventilation system comprises a row of at least one first ventilation assembly and at least one second ventilation assembly, the row being arranged parallel to the transverse direction of the greenhouse.

19. Tuinbouwkas volgens conclusie 18, waarbij het ventilatiesysteem meerdere rijen van ten minste één eerste ventilatiesamenstel en ten minste één tweede ventilatiesa- menstel omvat, waarbij de rijen op een afstand van elkaar in de lengterichting van de kas zijn opgesteld.A horticultural greenhouse according to claim 18, wherein the ventilation system comprises a plurality of rows of at least one first ventilation assembly and at least one second ventilation assembly, the rows being arranged at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the greenhouse.

20. Tuinbouwkas volgens één der voorgaande conclu- sies, waarbij het ventilatiesysteem een bovenbalk omvat die zich parallel aan het scheidingsvlak uitstrekt, en waarbij de eerste luchtbuis of de tweede luchtbuis is on- dersteund door de bovenbalk.A horticultural greenhouse according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation system comprises a top beam extending parallel to the interface, and wherein the first air tube or the second air tube is supported by the top beam.

21. Tuinbouwkas volgens conclusie 20, waarbij de bo- venbalk ten minste één bovenbalkdoorgang omvat en het eer-A greenhouse according to claim 20, wherein the top beam comprises at least one top beam passage and the first

ste luchtkanaal of het tweede luchtkanaal zich uitstrekt door de ren minste één bovenbalkdoorgang.The first air duct or the second air duct extends through the at least one overhead beam passage.

22. Tuinbouwkas volgens conclusie 20 of 21, waarbij de daksteunconstructie dwarsframes omvat voor het onder- steunen van het dak, waarbij de bovenbalk zich uitstrekt tussen opeenvolgende dwarsframes in een richting dwars daarop, en waarbij het schermdoek langs de langszijden van de bovenbalk geleid worden tussen de opeenvolgende dwars- frames.A horticultural greenhouse according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the roof support construction comprises transverse frames for supporting the roof, wherein the upper beam extends between successive transverse frames in a direction transverse thereto, and wherein the screen cloth is guided along the longitudinal sides of the upper beam between the successive transverse frames.

23. Tuinbouwkas volgens conclusie 20 of 21, waarbij de daksteunconstructie dwarsframes omvat voor het onder- steunen van het dak, waarbij de bovenbalk zich uitstrekt parallel langs en bevestigd is aan één van de dwarsframes, en waarbij de bovenbalk is opgesteld tussen het respectie- velijke dwarsframe en het schermdoek.A greenhouse according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the roof support structure comprises transverse frames for supporting the roof, the upper beam extending parallel along and attached to one of the transverse frames, and the upper beam being arranged between the respective cross frame and the screen cloth.

24. Ventilatiesysteem voor gebruik in een tuinbouw- kas volgens één der voorgaande conclusies.A ventilation system for use in a horticultural greenhouse according to any one of the preceding claims.

25. Eerste ventilatie-inrichting voor gebruik in een tuinbouwkas volgens één der conclusies 1 tot en met 23, of in een ventilatiesysteem volgens conclusie 24.A first ventilation device for use in a horticultural greenhouse according to any one of claims 1 to 23, or in a ventilation system according to claim 24.

26. Werkwijze voor klimaatregeling in een teeltruim- te in een tuinbouwkas volgens één der conclusies 1 tot en met 23, waarbij de werkwijze de stappen omvat van: het door middel van de eerste ventilatie-inrichting verplaatsen van lucht binnen de teeltruimte; het door mid- del van de eerste ventilatie-inrichting verplaatsen van lucht van buiten de kas naar in de teeltruimte; of het door middel van de eerste ventilatie-inrichting verplaat- sen van lucht binnen de teeltruimte en van buiten de kas naar in de teeltruimte.A method for air conditioning in a cultivation space in a horticultural greenhouse according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the method comprises the steps of: displacing air within the cultivation space by means of the first ventilation device; displacing air from outside the greenhouse into the cultivation space by means of the first ventilation device; or displacing air within the cultivation space and from outside the greenhouse into the cultivation space by means of the first ventilation device.

27. Werkwijze voor klimaatregeling in een teeltruim- te in een tuinbouwkas volgens conclusie 26 wanneer het ventilatiesysteem is voorzien van het tweede ventilatiesa- menstel, waarbij de werkwijze verder de stappen omvat van: het door middel van de tweede ventilatie-inrichting verplaatsen van lucht binnen de teeltruimte; het door mid- del van de tweede ventilatie-inrichting verplaatsen van lucht tussen de dakruimte en de teeltruimte; of het door middel van de tweede ventilatie-inrichting verplaatsen van lucht binnen de teeltruimte en tussen de dakruimte en de teeltruimte. -0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-A method for air conditioning in a cultivation area in a horticultural greenhouse according to claim 26 when the ventilation system is provided with the second ventilation assembly, the method further comprising the steps of: displacing air inside by means of the second ventilation device the cultivation area; displacing air between the roof space and the cultivation space by means of the second ventilation device; or displacing air within the cultivation space and between the roof space and the cultivation space by means of the second ventilation device. -0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-